We agree with Robert J. Samuelson’s assessment [“Escaping the Budget Impasse,” op-ed, Oct. 3] that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid need to be strengthened for future generations. But he doesn’t take into account the full picture, and his list of “only four” solutions ignores a more important fifth remedy — controlling the skyrocketing costs throughout the health-care system that drive spending on these programs.

The Rahm Emanuel proposal, coming from the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, looks like an important signal that a compromise may now be possible between Republicans and Democrats along the general lines originally proposed by President Bush.